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Our People

Centre Manager Tom Wu
Tom Wu, Centre Manager

Kia ora! I'm Tom Wu, and I’m passionate about education and bringing joy to learning. My background is a blend of business and education, with degrees in Economics, Tourism, and Early Childhood Education, along with a Master’s in Education from the University of Auckland.

My career began in the telecommunications industry, where I worked as a Marketing and Commercial Manager across places like Shanghai, Hong Kong, Dubai, and the Middle East. I had the chance to support international projects and develop a wide range of skills, which gave me the versatility to handle various roles and challenges.

Transitioning to Early Childhood Education has been an amazing journey. I love working with tamariki, sharing the excitement of learning, and watching their curiosity grow. My approach to teaching is all about making learning fun and interactive, so children feel inspired to explore. I enjoy guiding them in creating their own stories and even add illustrations to bring those stories to life. I’m also a fan of using technology to spark their creativity, as I believe that nurturing a child's imagination is one of the most valuable gifts we can give.

Outside of work, I have many hobbies! I enjoy painting, experimenting in the kitchen, capturing travel memories through photography, and exploring traditional Chinese medicine.

I’m thrilled to be part of the Active Explorers Ellerslie community, where I can share my energy, dedication, and love for teaching with tamariki, whānau, and my team as we shape the future together.

 

My journey into Early Childhood Education is all about sharing the magic of learning with tamariki There's something truly special about connecting with tamariki and watching their curiosity light up. I believe in making education a joyful adventure, and that's why I'm all about interactive and fun learning that helps little ones grow. I've had the wonderful opportunity to guide kids in creating their own stories and even adding my own illustrations to their books. I'm a big fan of using cool technology to ignite their creativity. I truly believe that nurturing a child's imagination is one of the most precious gifts we can give.

Outside of work, I have lots of hobbies! I love painting with oil colours and trying out new recipes in the kitchen. When I travel, I take pictures to remember the fun times. Playing the piano is a real joy for me, and I'm also really interested in traditional Chinese medicine. 

I look forward to sharing my energy, dedication, and passion with my team, tamariki and whanau as I continue to nurture young minds and shape the future through my time at Active Explorers Ellerslie.

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Susan Hewitt, Administrator

Hello my name is Susan - I am the Receptionist/Admin person at the centre! I have 2 daughters - 18 and 21 years old. After working around teenagers in my previous life, it is refreshing to be surrounded by little "explorers" now!

I am a self-confessed indoor plant hoarder and am learning about gardening and trying to grow my own chillies! In my spare time I also love cooking and anything that involves wine and cheese!

I'm a firm believer in gratitude and "paying it forward" and hope every day I can contribute to making someone's day a little brighter!

Look forward to watching all our children grow and become amazing young people!

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Joan Ong, Head Teacher - Preschool One
Hello, my name is Joan and I have been working at our centre since December 2018.
I moved to New Zealand with my family when I was 12 and have attended intermediate, high school and university here. I am now a mom to three wonderful teenagers, a 17-year-old daughter and 16-year-old twin boys. I have always had a passion for teaching, hence I pursued to further my studies and have recently attained the Graduate Diploma in Teaching in Early Childhood Education. I strongly believe children learn and grow in their own unique and exploratory way. I also believe in working in partnership with the families/whānau to ensure they have every opportunity to grow and learn. I cannot wait to get to know your children and support them to gain skills essential for their own independent growth and to build their confidence to reach their full potential.
I am passionate about meaningful, high-quality early childhood education. I believe each child is unique and through respectful relationships, love and support they will grow in their own way.

I graduated from Manukau Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE). I am a fully registered teacher and had more than 9 years of experience working with young children.

I am passionate about meaningful, high quality early childhood education. I believe each child is unique and through respectful relationships, love and support they will grow in their own way.

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Preschool 2 Head Teacher Lily
Lily Cressy, Head Teacher - Preschool 2 Room

My name is Lily Cressy. I am originally from South Korea and have been in New Zealand since 2011. I have a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) and came to Active Explorers in 2021 with over 7 years of teaching experience in a private kindergarten. My lifelong passion has been working with little children and I believe every single child has fundamental goodness and potential. It is always rewarding to see our children so happy and engaged in their journey and I am so glad that I can provide them with a loving and fun environment. I am married to my husband Sam, and we have 2 precious children, Ezekiel, and Zoe.